Israel Airstrike Kills Six Hamas Leaders Qatar Sparks Regional Condemnation

Israel launched a targeted airstrike in Doha, Qatar, against Hamas leaders, including negotiators involved in ceasefire discussions mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. The strike, ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to a deadly shooting in Jerusalem claimed by Hamas, reportedly killed six people including a Qatari internal security officer. The attack was widely condemned by regional countries such as Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Iran, and Yemen, as well as the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, for violating international law and Qatar's sovereignty, while threatening regional stability and peace efforts. Qatar, a critical U.S. ally hosting the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, called the strike a 'cowardly' act and warned that such actions undermine ongoing peace negotiations. Despite Israel notifying the U.S. in advance, the strike risks derailing delicate ceasefire talks and escalates geopolitical tensions in the region. Netanyahu emphasized that the strike marked an end to impunity for attacks on Jews, framing it as a justified response to terrorism.